T’puram: Forest minister Shibu Baby John said better cooperation between forest department officials and farmers would help neutralize vested interests seeking to exploit conflicts over wildlife issues.Speaking at the conference of Kerala Forest Protective Staff Association in Kollam, John said that the department is protecting nearly 30% of Kerala’s land area covered in forest with only around 6,000 personnel.“Despite limited manpower, forest officials are working tirelessly and deserved the same respect as soldiers guarding the country’s borders,” he addedHe wanted officials to handle farmer-related issues with greater empathy and care. “Solutions to wildlife-related problems should not be sought by the forest department alone but through joint action involving farmers and local self-government bodies as well,” said John.The minister also said that while nature can sustain itself without special protection, humanity’s survival depends on understanding the limits of how far nature can be exploited.To keep wild animals from leaving the forest, solar pumps will be installed to ensure water availability within forest areas, he said.“Invasive vegetation in the forests will be removed completely,” John added.The minister also announced that a three-tier security arrangement will be put in place in wildlife conflict hotspots.He added that the recurring wild elephant issue at Chinnakkanal in Idukki is mainly due to certain policy positions taken by successive govts and the loss of elephant corridors.Stating that forest guards should not become adversaries of farmers, he said that forest department will be thoroughly modernized in line with changing times.“A 500-member special reserve force will be formed for wildlife protection, with first preference given to tribal youth. All-terrain vehicles will be provided to improve the efficiency of forest personnel, and that issues related to the off-duty conditions of forest staff will be resolved soon,” he said.
